1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by the
Japanese colonial government?
Koreans pride themselves on enduring. Since Korea has endured so much hardship in its history, Korean citizens often feel like if they must endure more, they will.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Bitter feeling between who gave in to the Japanese and the people who did not give in. The people who gave in became cowards, and the people who didn’t were courageous.
1. In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?
I think this quote is encouraging people to follow the teachings of Taoism (the mystery of the Mysterious, meaning leaving the mysteries alone, with blissful ignorance) and offering a reward, in the form of indescribable marvels. I believe this quote does have an equivalent in Christianity.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” - John 12:46
Another part of the Tao Teh Ching that reminds me of Christianity is, obviously, the rough concept of heaven. Heaven being a place of infinite potential and reward. A place of indescribable marvels. A reward that is granted after certain conditions are met.
2. See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
They follow a similar moral code. They all discourage greed, thievery, fierce competition, and to avoid human traits, like greed and a lust for power, that would cause power. In this passage, a Confucianist idea is addressed when the text mentions “Not honoring men of worth”. This means that one should treat all equally.
3. In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
Meditation, regular healthy exercise, and a development of patience, a solid core, and a good body. That idea that a healthy body and a healthy mind are good balances for each other. This passage is talking about Tai-chi. They believed that chi came from the abdomen, thus the need to reinforce the abdomen and core.
4. Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
Confucius’ ideal was focusing more on changing the government. He believed in the Mandate of Heaven. On the other hand, Lao-Tze was more for changing the way the individuals acted, so all other issues would be absolved. Lao-Tze emphasizes the need of there to be, in some sense, the absence of a government, as the existence of a government and its laws causes problems.
5. Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
He’s thankful that he doesn’t have a desire to seek power. I agree with him. Being hungry for power causes issues in many situations. Greed or overambition could be a cause for corruption, cruel treatment, overconfidence, arrogance, etc. This says that people who are ambitious are likely to be sucked into this.
Those poem questions...
1. Why does the author choose a butterfly?
The author chooses a butterfly to show both the fact that the butterfly is small and seemingly insignificant, and the fact that the butterfly represents change and freedom. 2. What is the importance of the water cycle?
The water cycle shows the sort of repetition and repetition of change. The cycle continues over and over again. It shows the importance of nature as well. 3. What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
The man raising melons symbolizes a humble job that requires genuine hard labour. He is preforming a lowly job, even though he was a Prince in the past. It sort of emphasizes the importance of not being too quick to judge. 4. What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
The author is attempting to convey some of the core ideas of Taoism. Not being too quick to judge others, not trying too hard to force something to happen when nature can take its course, and living a humble life.
Some Tao of Pooh questions
Taoism:
1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The three Vinegar Tasters are, in fact, Confucius, Buddha and Lao-Tse. Vinegar is a metaphor for life. Confucius thinks that life is sour, Buddha thinks that its bitter while Lao-Tse believes that life is sweet. Thus, the painting illustrates the different perspectives of the three leaders of Asian philosophers and religion.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
Life, itself, is sweet. However, it is up to one to interpret life and to make the best of one’s life. Thus, they say that one must we should “appreciate, learn from and work with whatever happens in daily life.”
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
P’u, the uncarved block, basically means that objects are better in their original state: they maintain their original beauty and are not spoiled. He compares the characters of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate the concept.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
“From the state of uncarved block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet and the natural and the plain; along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously.”
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
Taoists regarded Confucianists as ants ruining a picnic, trying to pick up food pieces from up above. Taoists didn’t think that scholars are wise because learning about a specific subject won’t enable one to see the holistic picture of things.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Confucianists are represented by the Owl while the Taoist is represented by Winnie the Pooh.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
People who study “for the sake of studying, keeps his learning to his own small group, writes pompous and pretentious papers that no one else can understand, rather than working for the enlightenment of others.”
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
They are different: knowledge that is based on experience is more valuable than those that are not.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
It blames the mind of the Uncarved block; however, it is not justified because such problems were caused by the scholar’s own near-sightedness and limitations.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness refers to knowledge that you have sought and obtained in life, used to mechanically examine life, whilst Inner Nature is more pure, basic logic.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
Knowing your Inner Nature is important because it means that you know how to make your life happy. If there is a wedding, or even a more modern example, school course that you are unhappy with, yet are still taking for some reason, there is obviously something wrong.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
If you know your problems and how to deal with them, then it's more likely to be more adept in dealing with the problems, while a man who has no experience will fail as soon as something goes wrong.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
It sorts of resembles bliss in ignorance. If we keep delving into pointless matters whilst still hardly knowing what we mean, then nothing will be accomplished. If we simply work with things as they are, then things would be better.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
They either end up going astray because Brain distorted their correct path, or they are led by someone else.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
Taking our life in our own hands, taking charge. Instead of following someone else's vision for us, we choose and modify our own path. We find what we don't like, either not include it, modify it to fit us, or try to use it to our benefit.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
Utilizing the Way of Self-Reliance, we can maximize both our happiness and benefits in life by eliminating all negative things and finding the correct path for ourselves. Then we work with Things As They Are, and not waste our time on pointless questions that we hardly understand.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It's going with the flow. Not forcing things, not going against the system to get something to happen, no meddling. It's just allowing things to happen, and going along with the flow.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote means that Tao does not cause things to happen, but things happen. It means that things just happen, and Tao goes along with it.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi is very passive, compared to other martial arts. Instead of punching and kicking your way to victory, you wear your opponent down by dodging or deflecting his moves, and when the time is right, you throw them off balance. 20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94) No but I have similarities with him, such as I like athletic characteristics. You can see that he is concerned in physical fitness in the passage where it says “The Athletic sort of Backson- one of the many common varieties- is concerned with physical fitness,” 21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104) His view of American history is extraordinary. Bisy Backson thinks that progress is fighting and overcoming. Real progress involves growing and developing (changing inside) which Bisy Backson is unlikely to do. He thinks that the have to change everything and everyone except himself. 22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109) He has practically no time because he is too busy wasting them by trying to save it, and when he does that he wastes the whole time. “Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.” 23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9) A belief in Taoism that a person can have a long life of youthful appearance, outlook and energy and it comes out in stories, considered as the Secrets of Life. 24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111) Goals make us go through a process, successful progress will make us wise, happy but if we do a process that is sort of wrong in a way, then it will make us miserable, angry, confused. 25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9) The was a Stonecutter who was jealous of merchant’s power. He became a merchant, then he became jealous of high official so he became a high official. Then, the became jealous of a sun so he became a sun, then the cloud, then the wind, then the stone. He eventually figures out that the strongest position was the stonecutter. One should be satisfied by itself. 26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128) “From caring comes courage”, this statement is siginificant because it says that knowledge doesn’t really matter when you want to become clever. You need both wisdom and compassion in order to become like the statement. 27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137) In order to find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage, you have to start appreciate who you are and what you’ve got. 28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143) In order to unlock the wisdom, happiness, and truth, there needs a key. The key is nothing. Nothing is considered something and considered important, that is really nothing, called the “Great Nothing” 29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7) “Empty sort of mind” is very valuable according to Taoism because they believe that Emptiness cleans out the messy mind and charges up the batteries of spiritual energy. 30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9) The meaning is apprehensible by just reading the quote. Chuang-tse explained by talking about Yen Hui and the master. Yen Hui said he forgot the rules of Righteousness and the levels of Benevolence. He also said that the was making progress that the forgot the Rituals and the Music. Master still thought that he was not perfect. Then Yen Hui said that he will sit down and forget everything and the master questions why. Then Yen Hui says that the forgets his body and senses and leaving appearance and information behind. Then master says that he found the Way.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
When we know more as we grow, our minds are befuddled with this knowledge. Enlightened ones and children are truly happy because they are pure in mind, and they follow Wu Wei. They tend not to force things, they just happily go along with them. 32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154) They can destroy life because they make us look so desperately hard for something in a wrong way and to the wrong place. They are allowed to go on wrecking things.
"What is a Religion? A Philosophy?"
How are religion different from philosophies? How are they similar? Define each?
A religion is a set of moral standards and beliefs, and when certain conditions are met, one can receive a reward or punishment for their deeds during life. It often addresses the creation of the universe and the origin of life. On the other hand, philosophies often do not recognize or even address supernatural powers or beings.
However, both seem to share the fact that there is a sort of moral code to follow. Both also address the reason for life and how to deal with certain situations.
WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
Well for starters, it's an interesting look into evolution. It gives us an interesting insight into the psychology of human beings from an evolutionary standpoint.
Secondly, it helps us be more sympathetic towards other human beings. Human beings are often instinctively scared of things that they don't know about, and it could cause us to be irrationally scared or bigoted towards others.
Current Event in East Asia Presentation!
A link to my Ancient History Unit Page!
F Lee Sae Ancient History Unit IIIGroup 4 - Christianity in Korea questions!
1. Why did the Korean Christian churches continue to grow despite harassment by theJapanese colonial government?
Koreans pride themselves on enduring. Since Korea has endured so much hardship in its history, Korean citizens often feel like if they must endure more, they will.
2. How did conditions under the Japanese create tension within the Christian community?
Bitter feeling between who gave in to the Japanese and the people who did not give in. The people who gave in became cowards, and the people who didn’t were courageous.
Shintoism questions!
Legalism questions!
And those Shamanism questions
Those Taoism Questions!
1. In Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching, Lao-Tzu says, that, "The mystery of the Mysterious is the gateway to all indescribable marvels". Does this quote have an equivalent to in Christianity? Are there other parts of the Tao Teh Ching that remind you of Christian ideals?I think this quote is encouraging people to follow the teachings of Taoism (the mystery of the Mysterious, meaning leaving the mysteries alone, with blissful ignorance) and offering a reward, in the form of indescribable marvels. I believe this quote does have an equivalent in Christianity.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” - John 12:46
Another part of the Tao Teh Ching that reminds me of Christianity is, obviously, the rough concept of heaven. Heaven being a place of infinite potential and reward. A place of indescribable marvels. A reward that is granted after certain conditions are met.
2. See Passage 2, "Not honoring men....Not wanting rare things...Not paying attention..." How are does this help one understand how Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism found common ground and were not mutually exclusive belief systems?
They follow a similar moral code. They all discourage greed, thievery, fierce competition, and to avoid human traits, like greed and a lust for power, that would cause power. In this passage, a Confucianist idea is addressed when the text mentions “Not honoring men of worth”. This means that one should treat all equally.
3. In Passage 2, what do you think is meant by the lines, "relaxing the mind, reinforcing the abdomen, gentling the will, strengthening the bones"?
Meditation, regular healthy exercise, and a development of patience, a solid core, and a good body. That idea that a healthy body and a healthy mind are good balances for each other. This passage is talking about Tai-chi. They believed that chi came from the abdomen, thus the need to reinforce the abdomen and core.
4. Consider the last three entries from D.C. Lau's Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu describes government. How is this ideal different from Confucius' ideal? What present day system of government are you reminded of when you read this section? Do you think this is a good system? Explain.
Confucius’ ideal was focusing more on changing the government. He believed in the Mandate of Heaven. On the other hand, Lao-Tze was more for changing the way the individuals acted, so all other issues would be absolved. Lao-Tze emphasizes the need of there to be, in some sense, the absence of a government, as the existence of a government and its laws causes problems.
5. Regarding the third treasure that Lao Tzu describes, what do you think is his message? Do you agree? What does this say about people who are ambitious?
He’s thankful that he doesn’t have a desire to seek power. I agree with him. Being hungry for power causes issues in many situations. Greed or overambition could be a cause for corruption, cruel treatment, overconfidence, arrogance, etc. This says that people who are ambitious are likely to be sucked into this.
Those poem questions...
1. Why does the author choose a butterfly?The author chooses a butterfly to show both the fact that the butterfly is small and seemingly insignificant, and the fact that the butterfly represents change and freedom.
2. What is the importance of the water cycle?
The water cycle shows the sort of repetition and repetition of change. The cycle continues over and over again. It shows the importance of nature as well.
3. What is the point about the 'man raising melons'?
The man raising melons symbolizes a humble job that requires genuine hard labour. He is preforming a lowly job, even though he was a Prince in the past. It sort of emphasizes the importance of not being too quick to judge.
4. What is the author attempting to convey to the reader?
The author is attempting to convey some of the core ideas of Taoism. Not being too quick to judge others, not trying too hard to force something to happen when nature can take its course, and living a humble life.
Some Tao of Pooh questions
Taoism:1. What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
The three Vinegar Tasters are, in fact, Confucius, Buddha and Lao-Tse. Vinegar is a metaphor for life. Confucius thinks that life is sour, Buddha thinks that its bitter while Lao-Tse believes that life is sweet. Thus, the painting illustrates the different perspectives of the three leaders of Asian philosophers and religion.
2. What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
Life, itself, is sweet. However, it is up to one to interpret life and to make the best of one’s life. Thus, they say that one must we should “appreciate, learn from and work with whatever happens in daily life.”
3. How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
P’u, the uncarved block, basically means that objects are better in their original state: they maintain their original beauty and are not spoiled. He compares the characters of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate the concept.
4. What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2
“From the state of uncarved block comes the ability to enjoy the simple and the quiet and the natural and the plain; along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously.”
5. What was the main conflict between the Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff? (24)
Taoists regarded Confucianists as ants ruining a picnic, trying to pick up food pieces from up above. Taoists didn’t think that scholars are wise because learning about a specific subject won’t enable one to see the holistic picture of things.
6. Which of Milne’s characters represent Confucianists and Taoists according to Hoff?
Confucianists are represented by the Owl while the Taoist is represented by Winnie the Pooh.
7. What is Hoff’s opinion of Confucianist scholars? (26)
People who study “for the sake of studying, keeps his learning to his own small group, writes pompous and pretentious papers that no one else can understand, rather than working for the enlightenment of others.”
8. What does Hoff say about knowledge vs. experience? (29)
They are different: knowledge that is based on experience is more valuable than those that are not.
9. What do most scholars blame for problems in the world? Why isn’t it justified? (32)
It blames the mind of the Uncarved block; however, it is not justified because such problems were caused by the scholar’s own near-sightedness and limitations.
10. What is the difference between “cleverness” and “Inner Nature?” (38)
Cleverness refers to knowledge that you have sought and obtained in life, used to mechanically examine life, whilst Inner Nature is more pure, basic logic.
11. Why is it important to discern your own Inner Nature? (41)
Knowing your Inner Nature is important because it means that you know how to make your life happy. If there is a wedding, or even a more modern example, school course that you are unhappy with, yet are still taking for some reason, there is obviously something wrong.
12. Explain Hoff’s interpretation of the Chinese quote: “One disease, long life; No disease, short life.” (48)
If you know your problems and how to deal with them, then it's more likely to be more adept in dealing with the problems, while a man who has no experience will fail as soon as something goes wrong.
13. What does Hoff mean when he states that we must learn to “work with Things As They Are?” (50)
It sorts of resembles bliss in ignorance. If we keep delving into pointless matters whilst still hardly knowing what we mean, then nothing will be accomplished. If we simply work with things as they are, then things would be better.
14. What happens to people who do not listen to their Inner Nature? (57)
They either end up going astray because Brain distorted their correct path, or they are led by someone else.
15. What is the Way of Self-Reliance? (57-8)
Taking our life in our own hands, taking charge. Instead of following someone else's vision for us, we choose and modify our own path. We find what we don't like, either not include it, modify it to fit us, or try to use it to our benefit.
16. How can we change ourselves effectively through the principles of Taoism? (58)
Utilizing the Way of Self-Reliance, we can maximize both our happiness and benefits in life by eliminating all negative things and finding the correct path for ourselves. Then we work with Things As They Are, and not waste our time on pointless questions that we hardly understand.
17. What is the Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way” according to Hoff? (67-8)
It's going with the flow. Not forcing things, not going against the system to get something to happen, no meddling. It's just allowing things to happen, and going along with the flow.
18. How does the quote, “Tao does not do, but nothing is not done,” explain Wu Wei or “The Pooh Way?” (70)
The quote means that Tao does not cause things to happen, but things happen. It means that things just happen, and Tao goes along with it.
19. How does Tai Chi reflect Wu Wei or Taoism as a martial art? (87-8)
Tai Chi is very passive, compared to other martial arts. Instead of punching and kicking your way to victory, you wear your opponent down by dodging or deflecting his moves, and when the time is right, you throw them off balance.
20. Are you a Bisy Backson? (94)
No but I have similarities with him, such as I like athletic characteristics. You can see that he is concerned in physical fitness in the passage where it says “The Athletic sort of Backson- one of the many common varieties- is concerned with physical fitness,”
21. What is the Bisy Backson view of American history according to Hoff? (103-104)
His view of American history is extraordinary. Bisy Backson thinks that progress is fighting and overcoming. Real progress involves growing and developing (changing inside) which Bisy Backson is unlikely to do. He thinks that the have to change everything and everyone except himself.
22. How does the Bisy Backson waste time by trying to save it? (108-109)
He has practically no time because he is too busy wasting them by trying to save it, and when he does that he wastes the whole time. “Men say that a stitch in time saves nine, and so they take a thousand stitches to-day to save nine tomorrow.”
23. What is the Youthful Immortal? (108-9)
A belief in Taoism that a person can have a long life of youthful appearance, outlook and energy and it comes out in stories, considered as the Secrets of Life.
24. What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? (111)
Goals make us go through a process, successful progress will make us wise, happy but if we do a process that is sort of wrong in a way, then it will make us miserable, angry, confused.
25. What is the significance of The Stonecutter? (118-9)
The was a Stonecutter who was jealous of merchant’s power. He became a merchant, then he became jealous of high official so he became a high official. Then, the became jealous of a sun so he became a sun, then the cloud, then the wind, then the stone. He eventually figures out that the strongest position was the stonecutter. One should be satisfied by itself.
26. Explain the significance of the following line from the Tao Te Ching: “From caring comes courage.” (128)
“From caring comes courage”, this statement is siginificant because it says that knowledge doesn’t really matter when you want to become clever. You need both wisdom and compassion in order to become like the statement.
27. Where does one find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage? (137)
In order to find Wisdom, Happiness and Courage, you have to start appreciate who you are and what you’ve got.
28. What is the “Great Nothing?” (143)
In order to unlock the wisdom, happiness, and truth, there needs a key. The key is nothing. Nothing is considered something and considered important, that is really nothing, called the “Great Nothing”
29. Why is an “Empty sort of mind” so valuable according to Taoism? (146-7)
“Empty sort of mind” is very valuable according to Taoism because they believe that Emptiness cleans out the messy mind and charges up the batteries of spiritual energy.
30. Interpret the following quote: “To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.” (148-9)
The meaning is apprehensible by just reading the quote. Chuang-tse explained by talking about Yen Hui and the master. Yen Hui said he forgot the rules of Righteousness and the levels of Benevolence. He also said that the was making progress that the forgot the Rituals and the Music. Master still thought that he was not perfect. Then Yen Hui said that he will sit down and forget everything and the master questions why. Then Yen Hui says that the forgets his body and senses and leaving appearance and information behind. Then master says that he found the Way.
31. Why is the child the highest stage of development? (151)
When we know more as we grow, our minds are befuddled with this knowledge. Enlightened ones and children are truly happy because they are pure in mind, and they follow Wu Wei. They tend not to force things, they just happily go along with them.
32. Why may knowledge and cleverness destroy life as we know it? (154)
They can destroy life because they make us look so desperately hard for something in a wrong way and to the wrong place. They are allowed to go on wrecking things.
Confucius Say!
Notes on Confucianism and Confucius!
Comparison Chart of Buddhist Sects!
Those homework questions!
Karma in the Jatakas!
That Buddhist Sect Project!
Won Buddhism Citations!
The Religious Journey!
"What is a Religion? A Philosophy?"
How are religion different from philosophies? How are they similar? Define each?
A religion is a set of moral standards and beliefs, and when certain conditions are met, one can receive a reward or punishment for their deeds during life. It often addresses the creation of the universe and the origin of life. On the other hand, philosophies often do not recognize or even address supernatural powers or beings.
However, both seem to share the fact that there is a sort of moral code to follow. Both also address the reason for life and how to deal with certain situations.
WHY IS THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY IMPORTANT?
Well for starters, it's an interesting look into evolution. It gives us an interesting insight into the psychology of human beings from an evolutionary standpoint.
Secondly, it helps us be more sympathetic towards other human beings. Human beings are often instinctively scared of things that they don't know about, and it could cause us to be irrationally scared or bigoted towards others.